Partners in Learning brings benefits of IT to hundreds of thousands of students in the Arab world

The Partners in Learning initiative creates partnerships between education ministries and Microsoft, to develop a wide range of different programs that address the need for IT in education in these countries.

Partners in Learning agreements have been signed in many countries in the region, including Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen.

Amna Al-Nakhi, Academic Programs & Community Affairs Manager Microsoft Corporation, Microsoft explained: "Hundreds of thousands of students in the Arab world will have better access to ICT skills training and better opportunities in education thanks to our Partners in Learning agreements with education ministries across the region. Partners in Learning is a long-term commitment, and we are very glad that we have been able to forge partnerships with so many ministries across the region. These partnerships are expected to make a difference in the lives of the next generation of adults in the region."

Partners in Learning, launched globally in September 2003, recognizes the educational value of technology in schools. Global in scope and local in implementation, this initiative provides a significant investment of software and more than US$253 million in cash grants worldwide over the next five years to deliver ICT skills training, tailored curriculum development, technical support, and research funds as well as resources to students and teachers.

The initiative also includes significantly lower prices for Microsoft's core educational desktop software for students and teachers. Partners in Learning is implemented in conjunction with government agencies, local businesses and local trade associations in each country, as appropriate, to ensure that the program meets the needs of local communities.

"As an industry leader, Microsoft has a responsibility to help schools to access the benefits that technology can bring to education. Through feedback from our government customers and educators, Microsoft developed the Partners in Learning initiative, with emphasis on sustained investment in technology and training to help students focus on learning and teachers focus on teaching. We are very excited about working with the governments and educators," Abdullatif Al Mulla, General Manager of Microsoft South Gulf said. "Partners in Learning is central to Microsoft's vision of helping individuals, businesses and institutions realize their full potential through the use of technology."